Cooper to Supply New Motorsport Series

Cooper will supply the A1 Grand Prix, a new FIA approved motorsport series, which will begin in September 2005. The three-year agreement requires Cooper to produce slicks and treaded rain tyres for the series championship, which the company describes as “the World Cup of motorsport.”

“A1 Grand Prix is an innovative, global series and Cooper Tire is an exciting, growing global brand,” said Thomas A Dattilo chairman, president and chief executive officer. “This is a perfect fit for Cooper Tire supported by our Avon racing team’s long heritage in European motorsports. We are thrilled to be a part of this new series from the very beginning.”

The A1 Grand Prix’s schedule of races begins during the traditional off-season for motorsport. Due to the benefits of having warm weather climates, countries such as Dubai, China, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa and Bahrain are among the first countries expected to host race events while two races are being scheduled in the US and one in Europe.

Teams from the United Kingdom, China, South Africa, Portugal, Pakistan and Lebanon are the first six to commit to A1 Grand Prix. Up to 11 more countries are expected to field teams to race in the one-make championship.